Bypassing a Trailer Breakaway Switch: Step-by-Step Guide

“Disconnect the battery from the breakaway switch to bypass it.”

How To Bypass Trailer Breakaway Switch

The trailer breakaway switch is an important device used to help ensure the safe towing of trailers. It is designed to activate when a trailer becomes separated from the towing vehicle and helps bring it safely off the road. Unfortunately, at times, these switches can become a nuisance and need to be bypassed. Luckily, there are some relatively easy steps you can take to bypass your trailer breakaway switch without compromising safety.

This article will explain in detail how to bypass your trailer breakaway switch. You will need a few tools such as pliers and wire cutters, along with a few other components from your local hardware store. After gathering the necessary supplies, you can then proceed with Step 1: Disconnect Wires from Trailer Breakaway Switch. From here we will move on to Step 2: Cut Wire Leading from Breakaway Switch and Install New Terminal Connectors (if necessary). Afterwards, we will move on to Step 3: Connect New Wires from Battery Box or Plug and Play Battery Connector Kit (if applicable).

Finally, we conclude with Step 4: Test New System & Troubleshoot (if necessary). Throughout each of these steps, photos are included that represent what you should be striving for at each step in the process so you don’t get lost in translation.

How To Determine Trailer Breakaway System

When towing a trailer, it is important to know how to determine the type of breakaway system that is installed and how to properly test it for proper operation. A breakaway system is required on all trailers with an electric brake system and is designed to activate the trailer brakes in the event that the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle. There are two types of breakaway battery systems: a single-use system and a rechargeable system.

The single-use system uses a 9-volt alkaline battery that must be replaced after each use. The rechargeable breakaway battery system uses a 12-volt lead acid battery and is designed to be recharged after each use. When testing either type of system, you should check for correct voltage at the switch as well as proper operation of the brakes if activated by pulling on the lanyard attached to the switch.

What Is an Emergency Breakaway Kit?

An emergency breakaway kit is used in conjunction with the breakaway switch and consists of several components that are designed to activate the trailer brakes in case of an emergency disconnection from the tow vehicle. The kit includes a lanyard, a pull switch, and a 12-volt lead acid battery, along with necessary wiring and mounting hardware.

In order for it to work properly, it must be installed correctly according to manufacturers instructions. This includes connecting all necessary wiring between the tow vehicle, trailer brakes, and battery before testing for proper operation by pulling on the lanyard attached to the switch. It is also important that you check all connections periodically throughout your travels to ensure they are secure and not corroded or loose.

Tips for Bypassing A Trailer Breakaway Switch

If your trailer has an electric brake system but does not have an active breakaway switch, you can bypass it by disconnecting its wiring harness from your tow vehicles electrical connection point. In order to do this safely, you should first turn off any power sources connected to your tow vehicle or trailer before attempting any sort of maintenance or repair work on either one of them. You can then disconnect any wires connected directly between your tow vehicles electrical connection point and your trailers brake wires before attaching new wires in their place using wire connectors or crimp terminals that are securely fastened in place with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing around them.

Electrical Wiring Basics When Bypassing A Switch

When bypassing a breakaway switch, it is important to understand basic electrical wiring principles so that you can avoid damaging either your vehicles or circuitry due to incorrect connections or faulty wiring practices. This includes understanding different types of wire such as insulated copper (which comes in various gauges) and which gauge will best suit your application based on current draw requirements along with understanding different types of terminals such as quick-connects and ring terminals used when connecting two wires together or when connecting two circuits together respectively. Additionally, you should also be aware of how much current each terminal can safely handle when making connections so as not to overload them or cause short circuits which could result in damage or fire hazards if left unchecked.

Installing A Momentary Battery Switch With Brakes On/Off Device Into Tow Vehicle

Installing a momentary battery switch with brakes on/off device into tow vehicles requires knowledge about basic automotive electrical systems along with familiarity with safety protocols such as avoiding contact with live circuits while working on them as well as using protective gear such as nonconductive gloves when handling exposed wires while making new connections between components inside your vehicle’s engine bay area where these devices may be located depending on make model year etcetera . The installation process involves locating where all electrical components needed for installation are located within engine bay area including but not limited too momentary battery switches isolator relays brake control unit etcetera then connecting appropriate ground wire from isolator relay directly too negative post on battery followed by running hot wire from positive post too momentary battery switch then routing wire from momentary switch too brake control unit following manufactures instructions . Once all connections are made appropriate tests should be conducted using oscilloscope tool verify correct functionality .

Considering Your Vehicle’s Electrical System

When installing a trailer brake away switch to your vehicle, it is important to first consider the electrical system of the vehicle. This is essential in order to ensure that the installation will be completed effectively and safely. The electrical system of your vehicle includes all the wiring, circuitry and fuses that make up its wiring harness. When considering your vehicle’s electrical system, it is important to note any existing issues or concerns with the wiring and/or circuitry. Additionally, you should determine if there is any aftermarket equipment installed that could interfere with the installation process.

Establishing a Power Source

Once you have considered your vehicle’s electrical system, the next step in bypassing the trailer brake away switch is to establish a power source for the switch. This can be accomplished by connecting a 12-volt power source directly to your vehicle’s battery or by using an existing 12-volt outlet in your tow vehicle. It is important to ensure that any connections are properly insulated so as not to cause damage or injury as a result of short circuiting.

Maintenance Tasks For The Trailer Brake Away System

In order to keep your trailer brake away system functioning properly, it is important to perform regular maintenance tasks such as replacing batteries and checking connections for corrosion or damage. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all wires and cables are properly connected before beginning any installation process. Additionally, it is recommended that you periodically inspect electric components such as fuses and connectors for signs of wear or damage.

Battery Replacement Tips For Tow Vehicle and Trailers

If you decide to replace the batteries in either your tow vehicle or trailer, it is important to use only high quality replacement batteries recommended by the manufacturer of your trailer brake away system. Additionally, when replacing batteries in both vehicles, it is also important to replace corroded terminals and cables with new ones so as not to cause further damage or injury due to short circuiting.

Ensuring Wires Connection Are Intact

In addition to replacing old batteries with new ones when necessary, it is also important to ensure that all wires are properly connected before beginning installation of a trailer brake away switch. This includes checking all connection points for proper insulation, ensuring there are no exposed wires or connectors and inspecting for signs of corrosion or other damage which could potentially lead to short circuiting or other issues down the line.

Benefits of Winterizing a Trailer Brake Away System

Winterizing a trailer brake away system can provide numerous benefits when compared with leaving it un-winterized during cold temperatures. Winterizing prevents corrosion from occurring on exposed wires and helps prevent freezing which can lead to malfunctioning brakes or other issues while on the road during colder months. In order winterize a trailer brake away system effectively, it is important clean all components such as cables and connectors thoroughly so as not leave any residue behind which could cause an issue later on down the line when reinstating power after winterization has been completed..

Cleaning Altering Connections And Components

In addition winterizing your trailer brake away system by cleaning components such as cables and connectors thoroughly prior reinstating power after winterization has been completed; it is also beneficial clean alter connections between components such as fuses in order prevent shorts from occurring resulting from poor contact between two points . This can help reduce potential problems from occurring later on down line when reinstating power after winterization has been completed..

Preparing Wires And Cables For Winter Conditions

Before beginning winterization process of preparing wires and cables for winter conditions; it essential first inspect them closely check for signs wear tear due excessive use over time . Additionally , should also check insulation around each wire cable make sure there no exposed areas where moisture could penetrate result in shorts . Finally , ensuring each wire cable securely connected respective terminals complete process before powering back up again .

< h 2 >Troubleshooting Potential Issues With The Trailer Brake Away Systems It essential understand potential issues may arise while troubleshooting Trailer Brake Away systems so they fixed quickly effectively . First off , inspect electric components such fuses connectors ensure they working properly example , look bent contact points within fuse box well condition insulation around each wire cable connector point ensure there no exposed areas where moisture could penetrate result short circuiting . Additionally , should also check battery voltage if powering up manually make sure its appropriate level before attempting fire up brakes . Finally , double check connections between tow vehicle trailers make sure they firmly secured place without any loose contact points .

FAQ & Answers

Q: How do I determine my trailer breakaway system?
A: To determine what type of trailer breakaway system you have, you will need to check the documentation that came with your trailer. If you no longer have the documentation, you can also contact the manufacturer to get more information. Generally speaking, there are two types of trailer breakaway systems those that use a battery and those that use an emergency breakaway kit.

Q: What is an emergency breakaway kit?
A: An emergency breakaway kit is a device that is designed to activate the brakes on a trailer in the event that it becomes detached from the tow vehicle. The kit consists of an electric switch, a battery, and a cable that connects the switch to the brakes. The switch triggers when it comes into contact with any object and causes the brakes on the trailer to be applied.

Q: What tips can I use for bypassing a trailer breakaway switch?
A: One way to bypass a trailer breakaway switch is to disconnect it from the wiring harness and attach wires in place of it. It is important to understand basic electrical wiring principles when doing this, such as proper wire types and gauges for making connections and terminals for connecting wires together. Additionally, it may be beneficial to install a momentary battery switch with brakes on/off device into your tow vehicle for added convenience.

Q: How do I install 12 volt power outlet in tow vehicle for trailer brakes system?
A: When installing 12 volt power outlet for trailer brakes system in your tow vehicle, you will need to consider its electrical system first. This includes determining an appropriate power source that can handle all of the electrical components connected to it. Once you have established this connection, you can begin installing all of the necessary wiring components such as fuses, switches, and outlets.

Q: What maintenance tasks should I perform on my trailer brake away system?
A: It is important to do regular maintenance tasks on your trailer brake away system in order to ensure optimal performance and reliability. These tasks include inspecting electric components such as wires and connections; cleaning or replacing components; ensuring fuses are working properly; replacing batteries in both tow vehicle and trailers; and preparing wires and cables for winter conditions if applicable.

In conclusion, bypassing a trailer breakaway switch is a relatively simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. By connecting the breakaway switch directly to the trailer frame, or by adding a second breakaway switch and connecting it to the vehicle instead of the trailer, you can ensure that your trailer will remain safely attached no matter where you go. With these simple steps, you can have peace of mind on your next trip with your trailer.